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The Auschwitz Violin.

A classical music concert in Krakow in the winter of 1991 begins this moving story. It is here that an elderly woman, Regina, breathes life into the strings of her violin. Her music is exquisite and after hearing her play another musician is keen to discuss the beautiful instrument.The violin was made in a Nazi camp by the Regina's father.That in such a brutal place such a remarkable instrument was crafted is amazing . To find out the full story the musician engages Regina till 'the' story is told.

This is a short book , some 109 pages but what it lacks in pages it more that makes up for in prose. A moving, frightening and courageous tale unfolds, where the human spirit reigns supreme under the most appalling conditions.

'During the Spring Cleaning he had felt more concern for himself than pity for the condemned.But now suddenly, hearing in the distance the shouts directed at the newly arrived prisoners, he marvelled that his heart had not completely died, that he could still feel for others, that compassion for other men could spring from him like a tiny blade of grass emerging not from some wasteland but from the rich earth.Despite the derision and his forced smile this morning, despite the months of cold, hunger, and threats, his body bruised by beatings, the tremendous effort to stifle the cries when he was whipped, learning not to long for anything, not to think of anything beyond the immediate, despite it all, his heart was alive.' page 86.

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Jenny has given me this lovely award.Thankyou Jenny, that is very kind.

Here are the rules to spread the sisterhood spirit:1. Put the logo on your blog or post.2. Nominate up to 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude!3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.5. Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.

...both Royal and otherwise have been on my mind recently. Two of my daughters joined myself for a wonderful day watching the Royal Wedding. It was fantastic! Her dress , the service , the bridesmaids were all so lovely. Yesterday , the bride was seen supermarket shopping , pushing her trolley along as we all do, (although I don't think there are security men following me in Morrisons, lol!) but she is obviously enjoying her 'normal' married life.

Now for the 'other' weddings ; well two of my daughters are tying the knot this year, one in September and one in December, so there is plenty of wedding talk in this household. Up to now we have one wedding dress, two bridesmaid outfits and one mother of the bride outfit. The priest, choir , church flowers are all arranged and cars and cake are being organised as I type. All the above are for the Septmeber wedding and most will be repeated for the Winter bride.

Hardcover? Or paperback?Illustrations? Or just text?First editions? Or you don’t care?Signed by the author? Or not?

My answer is here --Hardback v Paperback, well I have a mixture of both. If there is a book publshed that I have been eagerly waiting for my lack of patience surfaces and I'm there buying the hardback edition. Paperbacks usually take a few months to surface after the hardbacks and that's usually 'a few months' too long for me.In novels I usually prefer text only but in non-fictions such as sewing, gardening or cooking I really need the visual aids and still wonder why my effort doesn't look 'quite' like the picture!!!I don't possess any first editions or signed copies of books I probably would be tempted however the opportunities have never arisen.More answers can be found here.